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Thrifty Tours

Taste of the South Island

Travel Christchurch to Mt Cook to Queenstown, then visit Milford Sound before heading to Dunedin, finish your tour in Christchurch.

Tour special blurb

**Please Note: Some elements of this tour may only run on certain days of the week. Speak to one of our travel specialists today to find a departure date that works for you.

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An image of Hagley Park fountain in Christchurch, New Zealand
View of Milford Sound National Park and snowcapped mountains
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Quick Itinerary Details

New Zealand Independent Tour

This suggested tour costs from NZD$1,780 per person (twin share, low season)

Starts in Christchurch, finishes in Christchurch

4 days/3 nights

Motels

 Customisable? YES

 Viewed 229 times in the last 7 days

price pp from

NZD$1,780

twin share/double
Tour full itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Taste of the South Island - Day 1
Christchurch to Queenstown via Aoraki-Mount Cook National Park & Tekapo with Cheeky Kiwi - Lunch Included

What better way to get from Christchurch to Queenstown than a small group, fully-guided day trip that combines all of the key southern highlights such as the famous Lake Tekapo, Aoraki-Mount Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier. The famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Your accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge

Blue Peaks Lodge offers well equipped self contained rooms with a fantastic location overlooking Queenstown and is just an easy five minutes walk to the Queenstown lakefront.

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Taste of the South Island - Day 2
Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Tour from Queenstown with RealNZ - Lunch Included

Departing from Queenstown sit back and relax aboard a luxury glass-roofed coach to enjoy a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. The coach driver provides an informative commentary and plenty of photo opportunities. After a morning tea break in Te Anau, the coach continues along the spectacular Milford Road. On reaching Piopiotahi-Milford Sound, board your vessel for a leisurely cruise in the fiord. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and wildlife. Rain or shine, every day in Piopiotahi-Milford Sound will leave you in awe.

It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information, see here.

Your accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge

Blue Peaks Lodge offers well equipped self contained rooms with a fantastic location overlooking Queenstown and is just an easy five minutes walk to the Queenstown lakefront.

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Taste of the South Island - Day 3
Queenstown to Dunedin including Taieri Gorge Train with Cheeky Kiwi Travel

You will be collected from your Queenstown hotel, a town renowned for its stunning alpine scenery and adventure. You'll journey through Central Otago, a region rich in gold rush history and natural beauty, passing gorges, lakes, and historic towns. The tour then takes you to Pukerangi, where you'll board the iconic Taieri Gorge Railway. This spectacular train ride will carry you all the way into Dunedin.

Your accommodation: Motel on York

Motel on York is located in the heart of Dunedin city. The property offers superior accommodation only 300 metres away from cafes and restaurants.

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Taste of the South Island - Day 4
Dunedin Accommodation to Coach Stop Transfer with Iconic

You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to the coach stop in time for your departure.

Dunedin to Christchurch by InterCity Coach

The drive follows the Otago Coastline as you head north from Dunedin. Pass through the unique town of Oamaru, famous for its buildings constructed with the unique locally quarried white stone. The port town of Timaru is next and then the vast Canterbury Plains. Crossing New Zealand's longest bridge at Rakaia you can view some great examples of the South Island's famous braided rivers.

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See all dates & prices for: Taste of the South Island
This tour has 142 departure dates.
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Starts Status   Double (2 people sharing) Single occupancy You save  
Dec 10, 2025
(Wednesday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Dec 11, 2025
(Thursday)
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Dec 12, 2025
(Friday)
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Dec 13, 2025
(Saturday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Dec 14, 2025
(Sunday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Dec 15, 2025
(Monday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Dec 16, 2025
(Tuesday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Dec 17, 2025
(Wednesday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Dec 18, 2025
(Thursday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Dec 19, 2025
(Friday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Dec 20, 2025
(Saturday)
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Dec 21, 2025
(Sunday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Dec 22, 2025
(Monday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Dec 23, 2025
(Tuesday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Dec 24, 2025
(Wednesday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Dec 25, 2025
(Thursday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Dec 26, 2025
(Friday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Dec 27, 2025
(Saturday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Dec 28, 2025
(Sunday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Dec 29, 2025
(Monday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Dec 30, 2025
(Tuesday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Dec 31, 2025
(Wednesday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Jan 1, 2026
(Thursday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Jan 2, 2026
(Friday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Jan 3, 2026
(Saturday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Jan 4, 2026
(Sunday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Jan 5, 2026
(Monday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Jan 6, 2026
(Tuesday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Jan 7, 2026
(Wednesday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Jan 8, 2026
(Thursday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
Jan 9, 2026
(Friday)
Enquire Book NZD$1,780 NZD$2,370 Enquire Book
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Remember - we can create this itinerary with any style of accommodation or customise to suit your interests and timeframe. Just contact us here.

Why book with New Zealand Coach Tours?

At NZ Coach Tours we choose only the best coach tours out there. We have up to date knowledge and experience, so we can give you the best advice on which tour is right for you. We can combine tours, maybe one tour that offers the best in the North Island and one that offers something different for the South Island. Our range of independent tours depart daily and can be custom designed to suit you perfectly. We have loads of accommodation options, activity ideas, and sell a beautiful destination that is guaranteed to blow you away!
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